How to label homemade caramel and toffee for sale
Caramels and toffee are rich sellers and solid cottage foods, but the dairy and nuts have to show on the label. Here is what belongs on the package.
What your caramel and toffee label needs
- ✓Product name. The common name of the food, so a buyer knows what it is.
- ✓Net quantity. Caramel and toffee are sold by net weight, for example 6 oz.
- ✓Ingredient list. Every ingredient, listed heaviest-first by weight.
- ✓Allergen statement. A “Contains” line for any of the nine major allergens in your recipe.
- ✓Business name and address. Who made the food and where they can be reached.
- ✓Home-kitchen disclaimer. The cottage food sentence your state requires you to print.
Allergens to watch in caramel and toffee
In caramel and toffee, the allergens to watch are usually milk, and often soy or tree nuts, especially in almond toffee. Your “Contains” line should reflect what is actually in your recipe, not a generic list.
Nutripane reads the allergens from your ingredients automatically, so the Contains line matches your recipe.
Do you need a Nutrition Facts panel for caramel and toffee?
High-sugar caramel and toffee are usually exempt from the Nutrition Facts panel as a cottage food, unless you make a nutrition claim or sell wholesale.
Nutripane builds the Nutrition Facts panel and the ingredient, allergen, and disclaimer label from your recipe, so you are ready whether you need the panel or not.
One thing sellers miss on caramel and toffee
Butter and cream mean milk goes on the Contains line. Almond toffee adds a tree nut, so name it.
Questions
How do I label caramels to sell?
Package them with the product name, net weight, ingredients heaviest-first, an allergen Contains line, your business name and address, and your state's home-kitchen disclaimer. A Nutrition Facts panel is usually optional for cottage food.
Is toffee a cottage food?
In many states, yes, because it is a shelf-stable confection. Confirm with your state's cottage food program, and make sure the label declares the dairy and any nuts.
Where to sell your caramel and toffee
Where you sell decides whether you need a full Nutrition Facts panel. Here is what each channel expects.
Guides to get you started
Labeling another food?
This page is general information, not legal advice. Food labeling and cottage food rules vary by state and county and change over time. Confirm current requirements with your state's cottage food program before you sell. See your state's rules or another product.